For Release: Friday, June 9, 2000

Contact: John Birtwell

Jason Kauppi

(617) 727-2759

CELLUCCI, SWIFT MAKE FIRE SAFETY A PRIORITY ON CAMPUS

Governor Paul Cellucci and Lieutenant Governor Jane Swift today announced a plan to protect students at public colleges and universities by committing

to install fire sprinklers in dormitories constructed before building codes

required the fire suppression systems. Cellucci and Swift have committed to

investing $50 million over four years to ensure students and property are

protected.

“The recent string of dormitory fires and loss of life in Massachusetts and

across the nation reminds us that we must be vigilant in ensuring the safety

of students at our colleges and universities,” Cellucci said. “While our

children seek a quality education and prepare for promising careers, we must

make sure their living quarters are safe and that tragedy is avoided.”

“While our current building codes require the installation of fire

sprinklers in new dormitories, we must address those dormitories built prior

to the new rules,” Swift said. “The Commonwealth will install the

sprinklers and shoulder the cost so we can continue to keep our colleges and

universities affordable to all students.”

At Massachusetts 29 state colleges and universities, nearly three-quarters

of the dormitories lack fire sprinklers and are still considered to meet the

building code. Many dormitories were not required to have sprinklers

installed at the time they were originally constructed.

“In 1999, there were 150 fires in dormitories in Massachusetts,” said State

Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan. “Any one them could have been like the recent

Seton Hall fire in New Jersey that killed three students. This initiative

is a major step toward preventing such tragedies from occurring here in the

Commonwealth.”

“The fire service of Massachusetts is extremely pleased with the Governor

and Lieutenant Governor’s initiative. Dormitory fires pose a great potential

for loss of life. We must protect our investment in our own future, by

protecting students life safety while they are in our care at our colleges

and universities,” said Devens Fire Chief Thomas E. Garrity, president of

the Fire Chiefs’ Association of Massachusetts.

Cellucci and Swift filed legislation to provide the Division of Capital

Asset Management and Maintenance the authority to fund fire sprinkler

installation in state dormitories. The buildings fall under the authority

of the State College and University of Massachusetts Building Authorities,

which would have to raise student fees to finance the safety measures.

While smoke alarms give people early warning of fire, sprinkler systems can

help control the fire and save the life of a person unable to escape.

###